An American in Berlin! ft. James Gaffigan

An American in Berlin! ft. James Gaffigan

Author: Opera Box Score November 20, 2025 Duration: 1:02:47
[@ 4 min] Alright, this week…James Gaffigan goes Inside the Huddle! The American conductor, who was recently named Music Director of Houston Grand Opera, is set to conduct Salome at the Komishe Oper, which opens this Saturday in Berlin. Gaffigan shares his perspective on making music in Germany, and what Americans always bring to the table... [@ 41 min] Plus, in the Two Minute Drill...The Hymens, I mean, the International Opera Awards, have been handed out and we’re demanding a recount, as s...

Imagine a place where the soaring drama of the opera house meets the passionate, stat-filled debates of the sports bar. That’s the unique territory covered by Opera Box Score. This isn't a stuffy lecture on classical music; it’s a lively, opinionated conversation that treats opera with the same fervent analysis you’d give to a championship game. Each episode digs into the performances, the vocal techniques, and the sheer athleticism required on stage, breaking it down in a way that’s accessible whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just curious about what all the shouting is about. You’ll hear discussions that feel more like post-game commentary, debating the highlights and missteps from recent productions, legendary recordings, and current stars. The hosts bring a genuine, unfiltered enthusiasm to every topic, arguing over a singer’s top form with the same intensity as debating a player’s MVP season. By blending the worlds of music commentary and sports talk, this podcast reveals the unexpected thrill and competitive spirit at the heart of opera. Tune in for a fresh, engaging take that proves the drama in the pit and on the stage is every bit as gripping as any sporting event.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Opera Box Score
Podcast Episodes
Pod God! ft. Cecilia Molinari [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:14
[@ 2 min] Alright, this week…we go Inside the Huddle with Cecilia Molinari! Last Sunday, the Italian mezzo-soprano wrapped her US debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago, just in time to return home for the closing ceremonies in…
The Benito Bowl! ft. Andrzej Filończyk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:03
[@ 4 min] Alright, this week…Andrzej Filończyk goes Inside the Huddle as he is set to return to the Met for the limited bonus run of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay beginning next week. Can the Polish bariton…
Legion of Boomy Bass-Baritones! ft. Denyce Graves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:23
[@ 6 min] Alright, this week…we handicap the Big Game between New England and Seattle, the best way we know how: OPERA COMPANY cage match! Benjamin Sokol, a member of the Ryan Opera Center, joins us to fill in the consid…
All-Court Baritone Joseph Lattanzi! ft. Joyce DiDonato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:49
[@ 2 min] Alright, this week…as the national 10th anniversary tour of the trailblazing opera 'Fellow Travelers' is set to launch next month, one of the stars of the tour, baritone Joseph Lattanzi, goes Inside the Huddle…
The Battle for the Soul of Opera! ft. Caitlin Vincent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:38
[@ 4 min] Alright, this week…In addition to everything else that’s happening in the world, there’s a War On Opera! We go Inside the Huddle with librettist (and war correspondent) Caitlin Vincent, author of 'Opera Wars: I…
The Papageno Sessions! ft. Will Liverman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:11
[@ 3 min] Alright, this week…we tip off 2026 with a Free Throw from WIll Liverman. The baritone, composer and pianist has a shot at winning TWO Grammys next month! He’ll share a story on the making of his grammy-nominate…
Oops! All Operettas! ft. Michael Spyres [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:40
Happy New Year! This week, enjoy a Replay of some of our favorite segments of 2025! [@ 2 min] First up, from August, a 'Chalk Talk' on the history of Grammy winning operas and singers...If you had to guess who had more n…
Kathleen Battle’s Water Wings! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
[@ 4 min] Alright, this week…it’s the best of OBS, Holiday Edition! The team recommends their favorite performances by opera singers singin’ Christmas… [@ 11 min] Plus, Ashlee Hardgrave gives us a roundup of the most imp…
The UN of Opera! ft. NOD6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:38
[@ 5 min] Alright, this week…a field report from the New Opera Dialogues convention with free throws from some of this year’s panelists, including composer Kevin Puts, librettist Mark Campbell, and singer-composer Diana…